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Are you looking for a way to expand your investments and grow your wealth? Investment experts agree that adding silver to your portfolio requires knowing which factors lead to an ideal time for purchasing the shiny metal. Discover the best time to buy silver, the economic factors contributing to silver price fluctuations, and tips for getting the best price.
At Oxford Gold Group, we’re your guide for all things silver and precious metal investments, so that you can learn more about buying silver as a long-term investment. Check out these tips from our investment experts to keep in mind when you speak to your financial advisor about diversifying your investment portfolio with precious metals.
When Is the Best Time To Buy Silver?
The best time to buy silver is in the first half of the year when it historically trends at a lower price. Data going back to 1975 shows that silver prices tend to be more volatile than gold, but there are clear trends regarding the best time to buy. Silver prices typically have a net loss in January, giving investors the best deal on a purchase, but this trend has not been consistent in recent years.
Further historical data supports March, June, and October as the other best months to purchase physical silver. However, your own investment goals should inform your purchasing timeline. Bullion investment experts argue that it’s better to buy silver immediately instead of waiting until January or March and watching your wealth steadily grow over the long term.
What Are the Factors That Can Affect the Optimal Timing for Purchasing Silver?
We know that historical data points to certain times of the year being ideal for precious metal investors. But what exactly determines the best time to buy silver? There are a few factors responsible for driving lower silver prices that investors pay close attention to.
Market Conditions
The silver market is subject to change based on day-to-day conditions. This includes overall demand from industries that heavily rely on silver products (such as jewelers), the country’s current economy, and larger events that may force a shift in prices. Combining all of these conditions to favor investors will make for the best time to buy silver. However, this is unpredictable.
Price Trends
Anyone investing in precious metals can track the relationship between gold and silver prices. These two materials tend to follow similar price trends and will rise and fall at the same time. Bullion experts use this as the basis of the gold-silver ratio, which stipulates that you should buy or sell silver at a cost that is relative to the price of gold.
Global Events
Geopolitical events directly impact the global economy, which ultimately reflects the price of precious metals. Wars, pandemics, notable elections, and certain policies can either strengthen or weaken major currencies. For example, during periods of recession, global banks tend to buy gold and silver, which increases the price of these metals.
Economic Factors
Any investment, whether it be stocks or precious metals, relies on economic stability to prosper. For example, inflation and the strength of the U.S. dollar can impact the price of silver and other precious metals. Increasing inflation and market volatility can weaken the dollar, which makes silver a desirable asset and therefore drives up the price per ounce.
On the other hand, a strong economy all around gives investors more confidence in the current market, so precious metals may not be at the forefront of their minds. As a result, the price can decrease because of lower demand.
Supply and Demand Dynamics
The relationship between supply and demand drives the prices of many goods, and silver is no different. Like gold and other natural materials, there is only a finite amount of silver available on Earth. The global silver supply has dropped in recent years as mining efforts decrease, but demand remains high as manufacturers find new uses for silver in electronics and other industries.
Consumers impact the silver market as they continue to drive demand through several different products. Collectors and investors of silver bullion and coins contribute to the high demand, as do jewelers, automakers, flatware companies, and others who rely on silver to create products.
Ways to Reduce the Price of Silver
Silver is cheaper than gold, platinum, or palladium, but stockpiling your supply can stretch your investment dollars thin. Even if you know the best time to buy silver, there are other ways to save on your investment by buying silver at a lower price.
Dollar-Cost Averaging
You may stick to historical data when figuring out the best time to buy silver, but you can also lower the price by buying silver products at different price points and taking the average cost. This can drive down your total price per ounce of silver when looking at the bigger picture.
Negotiating and Bargain Hunting
Sometimes, the best time to buy silver is when you can negotiate with a seller for the best price. Dealers sell silver bullion based on the current market value and expect buyers to view that price as set in stone. However, you may be able to get a lower rate simply by testing the waters and haggling for a lower, yet reasonable, price.
Buying in Bulk
Purchasing silver at a wholesale value can give you big discounts. Reputable dealers tend to sell silver at a lower price when you buy it in bulk, which makes heavier silver bars especially desirable. You can add a lot of silver to your portfolio for less than it would cost to buy each piece individually.
Making Secondary Market Purchases
If you want to take matters into your own hands, try looking for silver products on a secondary market. You can connect with sellers who list products that originally came from another source. While certain silver bullion and coins listed on a secondary market may appear scratched or tarnished, the weight and fineness of the metal remain in line with the spot price on the primary market.
You can find deals on the secondary market since the premiums are lower. It’s also possible to find rare products that are no longer being produced.
Should You Buy Silver During a Stock Market Crash?
People often wonder if they should invest in silver when the stock market is highly volatile. Both silver and gold historically hold their value throughout periods of market volatility, so you don’t have to worry about losing out on this part of your portfolio if the stock market crashes. Precious metals are a safe haven investment because they tend to increase in price when other investment vehicles lose money.
You likely won’t get the best short-term deal if you buy silver during a stock market crash since the price per ounce will increase. However, experts still view this as a good time to buy if you set your sights on long-term wealth and investment growth.
Knowing the best time to buy silver helps you make the most of your investment. For additional information, reach out to the experts at Oxford Gold Group. Our investment guide can help you make informed decisions for your financial future, and we also offer a range of silver coins and bars to strengthen your precious metal portfolio.
